BRUNEI is constructing an estimated $700,000 top-spinning arena at the Berakas Stadium for the upcoming Borneo Games and to preserve the Sultanate's traditional sport.

For the first time, Brunei will be hosting the tournament from November 29 to December 6, Hj Mohd Salleh Hj Kula, vice-president of Brunei Darussalam Top-Spinning Association (Pergap), told The Brunei Times yesterday. The tournament is held every two years since its revival in 2004.

The construction cost for the top-spinning arena is already close to hitting $500,000 now, he said.

There may however be an additional cost of $200,000 if a high-quality "carpeted flooring" is to be built. This particular flooring is necessary so contestants do not have to worry about about their gears damaging the surface.

"I truly appreciate the Brunei government's effort in supporting us (Pergap) in our endeavour to promote this traditional sport," said Hj Mohd Salleh, noting that Sarawak and Labuan have at least two top-spinning arena for each area.

"Their willingness to provide us with the funds to construct a proper top-spinning arena for the upcoming Games is enough evidence that they trust our sincerity in preserving Brunei's heritage and culture."

Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hj Mohd Hj Abd Rahman had confirmed during a meeting at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium earlier this year that 12 sports will be contested during the tournament.

It was said during the meeting that 'gasing' (top-spinning) will fall under the "traditional sports category", but only for those in the under-18 age group.

The vice-president said the government's enthusiasm in helping maintain gasing (top-spinning) as a non-dying sport or art is also evident with the government's aid to build "special sheds" on "special grounds" for the village community to practise their top-spinning skills in the evenings.

As top-spinning skills require "intensive training", the government's initiative to construct such designated grounds for local gasing players is therefore "highly appreciated" by village communities all over Brunei, he said.

"These areas will allow gasing lovers to gather and play their favourite game, which also boosts community ties between them," Hj Mohd Salleh said.

In its attempt to further promote the traditional sport, Pergap organises various top-spinning competitions from time to time. The committee for the Melabau Trophy Championship 2009 yesterday organised its second Gasing Championship at the Kumandang top-spinning arena in Lamunin, Tutong.

According to the information provided by the committee, five teams will be contesting for the tournament, which is expected to take place for the next six months.

A traditional game usually played by males, 'gasing' involves balancing the top as long as possible on the glass piece rested on a piece of wood.

The Brunei Times